Kona Bicycle Co. Jake the Snake

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at Montreal

Favorite Ride:
Long and far; not much into hammerfests yet.

Summary:
2008 Jake the Snake (blue and white). As decribed by others; full Shimano 105 with Avid canti brakes. FSA cranks, stem, bar and seatpost. Aluminium body (not the Easton tubeset they had on the 2007 JTS), carbon fork,
Good stiff frame, responsive when climbing out of the saddle and when turning. The stiff all-aluminium body (except fork) means you can feel the road buzz on longer rides, which prompted me to swap out the seatpost for a carbon post. On the trail, the cross geometry is evident with the higher bottom-bracket and wider wheelbase. On the road, with conti Grand Prix 4000S 23's, I can keep up with the road machines.

Strengths:
Good stiff frame, excellent cross geometry, good components.

Weaknesses:
Weight (it's close to 22lbs), stiff frame makes for not-so-plush rides for those who (like me) enjoy centuries. Also, the steerer tube is cut a bit short, so if you like a really upright position, you have to change the stem for one with more rise.

Price Paid:  $1400.00 at Sellwod Bicycle Repa

Favorite Ride:
uphill

Bike Setup:
Just stock right now - just like that on the Kona World website, but may change the seat, brakes at some point.

Summary:
Just got this for my birthday - first real new bike in a decade. More than just a recreational rider. I don't race but I ride hard always and needed a bike that was a little more versatile than my little road racer or my Klein Mantra Comp. This bike fit the bill perfectly. The fit was exceptional - I'm 5'6" and I got a 54 cm, my racer is a 56 cm frame. It rides smooth on every surface I've been on, and is almost as quick as my race bike but not as twitchy. It corners incredibly well even on roads with the stock knobbies.

Strengths:
Light, great component mix, and a very stiff aluminium frame. Real nice wheels and hubs. Corners well on dirt and on asphalt. Dig the green paint too.

Weaknesses:
Still unsure about the seat - may change to a Selle San Marco like on my race bike. Front brakes shudder a bit with the drops levers, but I gather that is common. Not a big deal to me, still have to increase the toe in on the pads.

Similar Products Used:
Tried a Trek XO, looked at Specialized and could not find a Cannondale or Felt to try.

Price Paid:  $1600.00

Model Year:
2007

Bike Setup:
All stock except the saddle and Schwalbe Marathon 28s for road riding/commuting.

Summary:
Price paid is Australian Dollars.
This is also for the 2008 model Jake the Snake.
I love almost everything about this bike. People complain about the Avid brakes... but really, just squeeze the brakes harder! I haven't had any squealing problems unless it's wet.
I did remove the secondary brake levers and that improved braking a lot.
I commute everyday on this bike, taken it on some pretty rough trails and spent 5-6 hours in the saddle on longer weekend rides. It does everything!
I'd recommend it to anyone considering it.

Strengths:
Great ride quality. A "do (almost) everything" bike. Also good value. Most bikes with similar components we more expensive.

Weaknesses:
The stock saddle just wasn't for me. So I swapped it out.
Not a big fan of the pedals but they work.

Similar Products Used:
None. First "serious" type bike.

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at Toronto Bike Show (B

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Toronto to Port Perry

Bike Setup:
Stock 2008 JTS. 105 Drivetrain, Avid Shorty 4 brakes. FSA Gossamer crank.

Summary:
This is a review of the 2008 (Blue and White) JTS. Love almost everything about this bike. I use it for commutes to and from work and the occasional singletrack trail in between. Very smooth ride over rough pavement, dirt trails. Obviously not as nice as suspension but the combination of fork and tires take a lot of the shock and vibration out. 105 drivetrain shifts accurately and quickly. Bike accelerates and climbs very well. Feels just as responsive than my all carbon road bike.

My only complaint is about the brakes. Avid cantilevers don't deliver the stopping power of road brakes when used with the 105 levers. Front brakes chatter and squeal.

Strengths:
Smooth and responsive ride. Excellent 105 drivetrain.

Weaknesses:
Brake squealing from Avid cantis.

Price Paid:  $400.00 at bikeman.com

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Trail Closed

Bike Setup:
9 Speed Dura-Ace and Ultegra mix, XTR canti's, Salsa bars & stem, Mavic cosmos wheels, michelin mud tires, time pedals

Summary:
This is a blue 2007/2008 Frame and Fork I bought to replace the second Redline I broke.... I got the 60cm frame and the fit is pretty good, has a slightly sloping top tube so I have a lot of post showing. Very smooth ride, due to carbon fork and tuning of frame. This bike is significantly smoother than the Redline I had. Handling is a bit slower and is taking some getting used to, front tire seems to push more in the corners. Bottom bracket is pretty stiff and I don't get any chain rub on the front derailure. Seems pretty well put together and comes with a nice fork for $400.00. Actually rides really well with road tires too. You could have this as your only bike and not give up too much compared to a dedicated road bike. Has full rack mounts on the back for touring, or commuting, won't see that on a Ridley.

Strengths:
Smooth ride, stiff in bottom bracket, good deal.

Weaknesses:
Sloping top tube, this is a weekness for me because I am 6'4" tall and I don't like to run 12" of seat post on a 60 cm frame. Probably not an issue for 99% of people buying this frame.

Similar Products Used:
Redline Conquest Pro two seperate frame sets both broke (chain stay and seat tube) after 2 seasons of cx racing and baby trailer towing.